Jealous of Friends? Here are 7 Tips to Deal with Jealous Feelings

Even if you and a friend are going head to head in competition or at work, you have to realize that you are two separate individuals who will each make your own way, and this is true even if the goal you both have is the same.

When you realize that your path in life is unique and unlike anyone else's (including that of your friend), you'll see that feelings of jealousy are a wasted emotion that just saps your energy. In other words, allowing jealousy to seep too far into your mind and heart will actually take you away from your own happiness.

Acknowledge this feeling within yourself and pinpoint what it is that makes you feel this way. Do your best to avoid pushing your jealous feelings away as your friend will likely pick up on your jealousy through facial expressions and/or your actions. Admitting this feeling to yourself will allow you to explore ways to overcome your jealousy.

When you feel jealous, you'll tend to focus on the negative. You may focus on the fear that your friends may enjoy each other’s company more than your company. Jealousy can cause you to make untrue assumptions and to take actions personally. Rather than listen to your inner dialogue and fears -- "They don’t like me anymore" -- tell yourself that it’s ok if your friends hang out together and that it doesn’t mean you are being displaced.

If jealousy has a purpose at all, it's to fully open up your eyes to the possibilities in life. Instead of looking at the situation as if your friend has something you don't, look to the inspiration this person is providing for you.

You'll see that not only is your own goal possible, a new ambition may emerge as a result of your friend's success.

It can be helpful to discuss your feelings of jealousy one-on-one with each friend. Do so when you are calm and have your feelings and thoughts collected. Avoid making accusations by using "I" statements. For instance, "I felt jealous when you and Emily went rollerskating and I wasn't invited. It made me feel left out." Be aware that your perceptions of the situation may be opposite of your friend's perceptions, asserts psychologist Clifford N. Lazarus in "Taming Jealousy," on the Psychology Today website. Perhaps they thought you didn't enjoy rollerskating and that's the only reason you weren't invited along.

Focus on your positive attributes, skills and belongings. If, for example, you are jealous of your friend's bigger house, Jan Yager, friendship coach and author of "When Friendship Hurts," points out that it is not impossible to attain. It is much easier, however, to focus on and accept your life and share what is positive about you with your friend.

Love your body. Comparing your body to your friend's will only bring you down and create more jealousy inside. Susan Shapiro Barash, author of "Toxic Friends," advises focusing on what you love about your body, accept your shape and body type and make a plan to lose weight or tone up if necessary.